In 1994, I covered the graduation at Mt. Ida college, where Ali received an honorary degree. He did his magic tricks and told a few jokes. He seemed really cool. I had a really nice talk with his wife, Lonnie.

A bunch of us went to a pre-Olympics party at a horse track in Sydney where Ali was the guest of honor. Even with his Parkinson's or whatever advanced, he still had that presence. It was all I could do not to hyperventilate.

Ali standing at the torch ready to light it in Atlanta was another heart stopping moment.

I made my class last year read Lawdy Lawdy He's Great. I have another class starting Tuesday - may require it again.